BLACK PHOSPHORUS PROMOTES BONE REGENERATION: A STUDY IN A RAT BONE-DEFECT MODEL

Objective: To investigate whether black phosphorus (BP) promotes bone regeneration via the piezoelectric effect. Methods: A BP hydrogel complex was prepared. Rat femur defect models were established and divided into three groups: the negative control group (CTR), the untreated control group (Sham), and the BP group. Femoral specimens were collected at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks post-operation. Bone morphology was observed using electron microscopy, and osteogenic protein content was detected by Western blotting. Results: Electron microscopy showed that the healing ability of bone defects in the Sham group was weaker than that in the CTR group. The BP group demonstrated better bone defect recovery than the Sham group, but it did not surpass that of the CTR group. The Western bolt result of bone regeneration protein showed that both the hydrogel and BP could stimulate the upregulation of bone regeneration proteins. Still, the hydrogel appears to be more effective overall. Conclusion: Without external forces, polarized BP nanoplates may enhance bone defect healing due to their uniquely oriented electron layer properties.